System and method for augmenting gas turbine power output

Abstract

A system for augmenting gas turbine power output includes a compressed air supply, and a compressed air storage plenum in fluid communication with the compressed air supply. The compressed air storage plenum is configured to store a compressed air from the compressed air supply for later use. The system further includes an inlet plenum sealingly coupled to an inlet of the gas turbine. The inlet plenum is in fluid communication with the compressed air storage plenum so as to route the compressed air from the compressed air storage plenum into the inlet of the compressor during augmented operation of the gas turbine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to a system and a method for augmenting performance of a gas turbine. More particularly, this disclosure includes a system and a method for pressurizing an inlet plenum of the gas turbine.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A typical power generation plant includes a gas turbine having an axial compressor that feeds compressed air to a plurality of combustors. The compressed air is mixed with a fuel to form a combustible mixture within each combustor. The mixture is burned, thereby producing a rapidly expanding hot gas. The hot gas is routed through a hot gas path and into an expansion turbine.[0003]As the hot gas flows through the turbine, kinetic energy is transferred to one or more rows or stages of turbine blades which are coupled to a shaft that extends axially through the gas turbine, thereby causing the shaft to rotate. The hot gas is exhausted from the gas turbine through an exhaust gas diffuser. The shaft dri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution increases gas turbine power output by pressurizing the inlet plenum, reducing pressure losses through filtration devices and mitigating performance issues at low ambient densities, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Problems solved by technology

However, few power plant sites realize these reference conditions during an entire day or throughout the year.

In addition, most sites require that air filtration equipment, silencing devices, evaporative coolers or chillers be placed at the inlet of the compressor, thereby causing pressure losses within the gas turbine system.

As a result, power output of the gas turbine is decreased.

One issue with this system is the additional costs associated with installing and maintaining a separate compression system to pressurize the compressed air storage system.

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